Dear Ontario Waterways Partner,

The start of the 2015 navigation season for Ontario’s historic canals has
been a banner one marked by unprecedented investment by the Government of
Canada and an increase in boating numbers.

In keeping with this positive trend, I am very pleased to advise you that,
for the first time, canal boaters can take advantage of FREE LOCKAGE on
Wednesday July 1, 2015 in celebration of Canada Day throughout the Rideau
Canal and the Trent-Severn Waterway!  In addition, just as a reminder,
boaters can continue to take advantage of the 2 for 1 lockage coupon until
June 30, 2015.

For the month of May, on the Trent-Severn Waterway the number of vessels
travelling through the system has increased 34% and the number of vessels
mooring has increased 51% from 2014. On the Rideau Canal, the number of
vessels travelling through the system has increased 32% and the number of
vessels mooring has increased 20% from 2014.

This increased use of canals supports economic benefits for local
communities and businesses and is due in part to investment in increased
service levels and active promotions.  Visitors travelling by land can also
take advantage of new services offered on both the Trent-Severn Waterway
and Rideau Canal this season including; oTENTiks, Red Chairs, and Voyageur
Canoe tours at Ottawa Locks and at the Peterborough Lift Lock. Visitors
will also find new showers, canoe docks, firewood and ice sales at select
stations.

This month, the Government announced new infrastructure investments
totalling more than $39 million for the Rideau Canal and more than $285
million for the Trent-Severn Waterway.  This record investment will ensure
the care and preservation of these treasured National Historic Sites and
UNESCO World Heritage Site for use and enjoyment of future generations.

Parks Canada is committed to working in partnership with communities to
further the recent positive trends and to raise the economic benefits of
the waterways to new heightened levels through bold and concrete steps. To
that end we are offering free lockage on Canada Day in hopes of exposing
new boaters and visitors to the many opportunities available on the
Historic Canals and in your communities. We invite you, our valued partner
to join us in our effort to communicate this exciting opportunity and to
further engage us in how together we can all realize the full potential of
Ontario’s Historic Canals.

Sincerely,

Jewel Cunningham
Director Ontario Waterways
Parks Canada